A common question asked by recruiters in an initial phone screen is “Why do you want to work at company X?”. It is a valid question and shows what the candidate knows about the company and the position. Guess what answer we have heard WAY TOO MUCH? Many candidates have been answering this question with “Because I have been laid off and I need a job”. This is the worst answer to this question. Think about it, would you want to hire someone with that answer?

I will be writing an article on responding to recruiters, but I wanted to post this before I get that article written. We are getting this answer on a regular basis and should not be getting it at all! We are sympathetic to everyone who needs a job, but this answer is not going to get you to the next interview.